THIEVES stole Christmas presents, carefully wrapped and stored away in a Bolton nursery school, the night before youngsters were due to enjoy their party. But the nursery school staff and youngsters' parents were determined the thieves would not break their children's hearts and rallied round thanks to help from a local superstore. Shocked staff at Lyniards Nursery on Albert Road, Heaton, arrived on the morning of the planned Christmas party to find the sick raiders had ransacked the place.

The children's presents had been taken and all that was left of them was the torn wrapping paper discarded on the floor.

Even a collection box in aid of Bolton Hospice had been emptied by the crooks.

Distraught staff had only hours to save the day - and that was the cue for two local branches of Asda to step in.

Staff at the Horwich and Farnworth stores donated selection boxes and bags of goodies for the youngsters, who are aged between two weeks and four years, ensuring the festivities went ahead.

Julie Hall, deputy manager at the nursery, said: "We would like to thank Asda and all the parents who rallied around with offers of help. Everyone responded really well.

"When we came in to find what had happened we could not believe it. It was a terrible shock.

"There was Christmas wrapping paper all over the place.

"What sort of mentality do these people have to be able to take children's Christmas presents?

"We were determined the children would still have their Christmas party whatever happened."

A parent of one of the youngsters at the nursery, said: "We were absolutely horrified to hear what had happened. It was particularly bad that they targeted children at Christmas time.

"It was a frantic search to replace the toys, but Asda staff were really helpful."

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